(WASHINGTON, DC) - Yesterday, the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia and the Zahra Breast Cancer Association hosted a reception and photography exhibition in commemoration of the first anniversary of the creation of the world’s largest human pink ribbon by Saudi women.

“Raising awareness is critical in the fight against breast cancer around the globe,” said Saudi Ambassador Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir. “The Kingdom continues to focus significant efforts alongside the international health community to fight the disease.”

“A National Awareness Campaign to Combat Breast Cancer was inaugurated in Riyadh in October to coincide with international Breast Cancer Awareness month,” said Batool Alshomrani, the daughter of the Zahra Breast Cancer Association co-founder Dr. Suad Bin Amer. “This campaign is led by Princess Hessah bint Trad Al-Shaalan, the Honorary President of the Zahra Breast Cancer Association and wife of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, and Princess Rima bint Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.”

The Zahra Breast Cancer Association was created in 2007 by a group of women in Saudi Arabia with Princess Haifa Al-Faisal as Honorary Chairperson. The name “Zahra” is in honor of co- founder Dr. Suad Bin Amer’s mother, Zahra bint Ali, who died as a result of breast cancer. 

In Saudi Arabia, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer and the No. 1 cause of death of women in the region. As a result, working toward a cure for breast cancer has become a top priority of the Saudi government.